Summer is like the ultimate one-night stand... hot as hell, totally thrilling, and gone before you know it.

This week it's back to school, the new season of TV starts soon, and summer is all but over. However, I have one last summer post for you!  One last slew of pictures that embrace the essence of summer fun.  And it just so happens that the subjects are some of my favorite people in the world.  It is rare that my 3 nieces and 3 nephews get to enjoy each other's company, seeing that they live 6.5 hours away from each other.  A few weeks ago they got to do just that, and enjoyed those last few hot summer days together.  

Words cannot express how much I love these faces (even the grumpy one to the left)

It was the perfect day for some good old fashioned tomfoolery and fun!

What a beauty she is!

No afternoon is complete without a little pout.

What a good older cousin, helping out!

Getting into the pool proved to be a little more difficult for some!

Sometimes you just need a good pick...

She just exudes pure beauty and happiness! So lovely.

Such uninhibited joy!

Such candid beauty - inside and out.

Boys will be boys - and such handsome ones at that!

A little love for Sutton!

Typical Boy - Love the hair!

A little contemplation break!

Such proud grandparents - and why shouldn't they be, look at that crew!

I am not only lucky enough to have one family who mean the world to me. I also have a second family that is made up of some of my oldest and dearest friends, who I would be equally lost without.  Sometimes I forget how blessed I am to be surrounded by so many people who I love!  This weekend, I got together with my second family for one last, end of the summer BBQ.

Enjoying some hot dogs, salad and fruit!

This one loves herself some fruit!

A serious cutie. Doesn't get much more adorable then this little dude.

Hiding out from Daddy in the clubhouse. 

A sneaky one - Peek!

Follow the leader!

Love these faces!

Who needs rain? Dora is just as fun in the sun!

"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here

With summer's best of weather

And autumn's best of cheer."

"While we try to teach our children all about life; It's children that teach us what life is about."

A few Saturday's ago I agreed to watch my 9 year old niece, 7 year old nephew and 5 year old nephew for the day.  And I'll be honest; I had no idea what I was going to do with them for the day, which is never a good sign.  Most of the novelties of summer had worn off - playing outside was no longer fun, the small pool in their back yard was not enticing enough, and it seemed like nothing would do.  That was until my best friend invited us over to swim at her parents "underground" pool as my 5 year old nephew called it.  Then the possibilities of the day suddenly became endless; not only was there a big pool in their future, but also friends to play with!  Phew, I was rescued!

Poor Evie only swam for a quick second before it was off to nap!

These two lovely ladies had a ball together!

She started out with the swimmies - but by the end of the day they came off!

There are tons of fun toys to be found at Grandma's house!

Apparently this is the fun thing to do with noodles!

This little guy was beyond impressive with his swimming skills!

A little sunbathing between swimming - ain't no thang!

Only one swimmie left to lose!  

Hey - swimming isn't a joke; it can really wear you out!

Contemplation... Should I or shouldn't I?

I guess it's a go for another round!

A nice afternoon snooze outside - she looks mighty comfy!

YUM - Jello Pops! A favorite childhood memory of mine! So good!

Someone's a little spent! Well at least I know they'll go to bed easy!

"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet  discouraged of man"

The next day we decided to do a little blackberry hunting on the trail

And we found some!

I think the opinion on taste was a mixed one...

Blackberry picking is dirty business - just look at my hands!

"I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights." (Terri Guillemets)

A baby is a bit of stardust blown from the hand of God!

I can only imagine what you feel as a parent on the day you choose to christen your child and welcome him/her into God's family.  I am extremely fortunate and honored to be a Godmother to two of my nephew's and it is a role that I truly embrace.  I can only hope that one day I am blessed to have a child of my own and experience firsthand the joy to have him/her baptized.

Until then I am so lucky to be surrounded by my friends, family and get to play a part in welcoming their babies not only into the church, but also into the world.  I got to witness this beautiful day a few weeks ago when two of my best friend's had their son baptized.  

Here is the man of the hour - looking mighty dapper! 

Of course his big brother was there to lend a hand and just be downright cute.

Hamming it up and charming all those around him!

A few more sweethearts came to welcome their newest friend!
Such beautiful blue eyes all around!

The parents and Godparents lovingly support him on his special day and always

What a good boy he was!  Even giving the priest a little smile!

Time for a quick snack before we get down to it!

God's blessing's today and always!

Mommy and baby - welcome to the church!

The proud parents!

 Each time the world needs an extra touch of love and gentle caring, God creates Godparents.

One tiny hand to guide and hold,

One tiny life to shape and mold;

each child, a gift from God above,

a symbol of His strength and love.